Author Archives: Olivia

Uh Huh Her.

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I’ve been meaning to write about these two wonderful and beautiful women for AGES. I guess now is a more apt time than ever to jot down some words about seeing as their new album comes out next week.

If you’ve named yourself after a PJ Harvey album, you better be good. Uh Huh Her are better than good, let’s be honest. They’re a perfect synth/electro pop kind of band. Now, when some hear this they probably think “OH GOD LEAVE THE 80S ALONE. PLEASE.” I know, I feel the same way too. However, there’s nothing 80s about this duo. Not that I know of anyway.

I’ll start with the album that pretty much was my life for AGES. Common Reaction. There’s one song on the album that I refuse to listen to, Dreamer. It’s one of the saddest songs I’ve ever heard. I just cannot bring myself to listen to. There’s so much hurt in that song. Thing is, it’s beautiful too. I feel bad when I skip this track when I listen to the album.

I adore the album, despite it having one of the saddest songs I have ever heard.

Leisha Hailey was of course in The Murmurs and Gush. Camila has played with everyone from Busta Rhymes to Adam Lambert. Both are amazing musicians in their own right.

I have a thing for duos. I find the chemistry in a duo to be the most exciting thing in music. The way two voices just go so well together (Beach House, The Kills etc). Leisha and Camila’s voices sound so perfect together. Camila’s dominant voice sounds so stunning with Leisha’s angelic yet haunting vocals. I’ve never seen them live, but I’d imagine they have such a beautiful chemistry with each other. With The Kills it’s a more brutal, passionate thing. I guess with Uh Huh Her it’d be more delicate- but still powerful.

I know that when a band uses synths, the music snobs come out to play and refuse to listen to them. If this is your stance, then you’re pretty much a twit. You cannot shun a band based on the equipment they use. Seriously. Come on now.

Aside from the music, there is one thing about Uh Huh Her that I love. They do not use their sexuality as a gimmick or to sell records. That’s how it should be. They don’t flail around on stage or interviews saying, “Love us! We are lesbians!” They are serious musicians who are creating wonderful music and knocking down the awful stereotype that lesbians in music are constantly lumbered with.

Recently, the band was kicked off a flight just for kissing. Reading what had happened just made me so fucking angry. It made me angry that people want to stop another person showing their love and affection for another person. I read the band’s statement, and it just made me proud to be a lesbian. Why should you hide who you are? Who gives you the fucking right to tell you that you cannot kiss the person you are with JUST because they are of your same gender? Fuck off you small minded piece of shit.

With that rant out of the way, I’ll resume with the music.

Their music makes you feel alive. Living in a world that is full of bad vibes and people being arseholes to each other; it’s just bloody good to have a band that make you feel something good, you know?

I remember when I first heard Not A Love Song. The video made me feel like I had taken too much cough medicine. The unicorn baffled me. I love the line, “I see I disappoint you. Why don’t you find another threat?” As someone who frequently disappoints and fucks up, I found a lot of solace within their album. I still do, in all their music. I love that their music is gender free and anyone can relate to it. That’s how it should be.

One thing I want to briefly to touch on is who do lesbians have to look up to? There are so many strong (or what are deemed to be strong) women that gay men look up to such as Cher, Gaga etc. Lesbians seem to worship Pink and that one from Paramore. I really really do not understand why. Nor do I understand why the sexuality matters, but I guess part of me does. If Uh Huh Her were around when I was growing up, I hand on heart would have had an easier time with dealing with my sexuality. I’m nearly 25, and I like to think I’m fully comfortable and secure enough with who I am. Obviously I don’t care if someone has an issue with my sexuality- I’m not the one with a small minded mind. What I’m getting at is, with a band like Uh Huh Her or Gossip or The Organ who are open about their sexuality, it paves the way for the young’uns to feel okay with who they are. When you hear their stories about how they dealt with growing up, it makes one feel less alone. That is why I love Uh Huh Her, they just make me feel less alone. Their music is fragile, vulnerable and it oozes frustrations with dealing with the one that you like. Everyone feels like that, regardless of gender and sexuality. We all feel that way.

Their lyrics have so much love and emotion within them. Listen to Say So, “You say that you’re broken, I just want to fix you.” It’s just beautiful. Then you have songs such as Wait Another Day. Personally, that song fixed a lot of things during a certain point. The whole album did; especially the title track. The title track seems to be more apt than others.

Their new album, as mentioned, comes out this week. Stupidly excited about this. Songs such as Human Nature and Another Case are just brilliant. Make sure you buy Nocturnes when it comes out!

Boris.

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Japan. Home to many wonderful things. Home to a mind-blowing band called Boris.

This year they put out their SEVENTEENTH album, Attention Please. It’s a ten track album that fucking assaults you. It is sheer noise with hints of shoegaze. Personally, it’s the IDEAL album.

I’m going to put money on Attention Please being the album that you forget to acknowledge in the greatest releases of this year. It’s so bloody good. Although all band members sing, the vocals on this album are all sung by Wata. Her vocals are so brutally charged on this record, it’s just stunning from beginning to end.

There is a wonderful influence of Nick Cave and the Melvins (the band are named after a Melvins track) within their music. I love that they don’t sing in English, just because I have no idea what is being said doesn’t make the music mean anything less to me. I still think that Boris are a band that a worth a lot more recognition than they get.

Their sound makes you feel, well, I’m not sure if I can actually put it into words. You know when you hear something and every part of you just goes with it? That’s exactly what one gets when they listen to Boris. Besides, any band called Boris is bound to be brilliant. Like any solid band, Boris changes their sound with every release. Every single album sounds different from the other. The fact that they do this makes it hard for people to lump them with a label- this is exactly why they are amazing. Labels aren’t needed; they are a band- not a food product.

They have elements of psychedelic rock, metal, extremely experimental and touches of shoegaze. This is exactly why Boris should be your favourite band. They have everything in their sound. Oh, and another reason to love them; they released THREE albums this year. Attention Please being my personal favourite. How many artists have done that this year? ZERO.

I adore the feedback in their sound. It just catapults you into a totally different Universe. It’s just utter perfection.

Of all the bands I have come to love, adore, respect and cherish in my time; I think I can safely say that Boris are easily the hardest working band I’ve ever been a fan of. I cannot tell you where to start with this band- start from wherever you want, and enjoy the journey.

Reality Killed The Artist….

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Part of me is reluctant to write this, but then the intelligent part of me realised I shouldn’t care if anyone agrees or not. I’m fully aware no one will- good job I write for me and not to please other people. If it offends, I’m not sorry.

It’s that vile time of year again where the TV is polluted with talentless folks clinging onto their sob stories in hope of becoming a signed recording artist. Little do they know that their shelf life will be at least 2 years, then its someone else’s turn. How can people watch this show and think, “THIS IS GOING TO CHANGE MY LIFE! MY DOG HAS DIED! I MUST ACT LIKE I CAN SING!” Oh just fuck off. For the love of something, just take yourself away. Far far far AWAY.

These reality shows make me angry at the best of times, but after reading an article written by someone who I regard as a highly influential musician and person; my level of angst reserved for these talentless shows proceeded to rise.

A lot of music I listen to comes from artists that are either on a small label or unsigned. I don’t listen to them because I want to be different. I listen to them because they have heart, passion and meaning. These artists have worked themselves to the bone to put a single out. They will play bus shelters just to make a few pounds so they can eat. They work 2 jobs just to pay for studio time- but do you know who they are? No you don’t. But you could probably list the last 5 winners of X-Factor couldn’t you? How can a 13 year old declare “I’VE WANTED THIS MY WHOLE LIFE.” Child please, you’ve not gone through puberty yet and your mum still dresses you. Your only struggle in life was choosing what cereal to have.

I read JD Samson’s article last night, and I couldn’t believe what I was reading. How can someone, who was part of a band that was a huge part of my life for so long, be so utterly broke? I completely sympathise with JD about being broke. I currently can’t afford to buy a loaf of bread. Although, I guess cutting it out of my diet will cause me to stop being chubby. But seriously, how can an artist so talented and inspirational- have nothing at all? This isn’t right. It’s beyond disgusting that someone with so much talent has nothing to show for it. Yet these fools that prance around every weekend on stage and get praised or shot down by people who claim to have some kind of talent/knowledge of something musically related will end up making millions.

Why does someone get excited every weekend to watch this shit? Go on, go read a book- I dare you. I dare you to listen to something with heart such as Clara Engel or Doll And The Kicks. Go on, fuck what you are told to listen to and consume. For once, think for yourself.

The thing is, with me feeling this way I’m probably going to be labelled as wrong, a pretentious piece of shit who has no idea what they are on about. Truth be told, I’m just someone who is beyond passionate about music and it kills me to think that people regard what they see on X-Factor as “good.” When it really isn’t. Good music will outlive you. When you die, your grandkids and their grandkids will not be talking about who won X-Factor in 2010. They will still be talking about how influential the Rolling Stones are. They’ve been going for fucking decades. Their energy is inspiring; they have more energy and charisma than those who twat about on stage for their 15 minutes of fame.

When you see something you adore just fall to pieces, you feel compiled to pour your heart out expressing your worries and frustrations.

It’s basically a cattle market. They are lined up, told to sing. They then break down on stage. Told they aren’t good enough. Told they are good enough. Told to go away. Start crying. Tell a story about a dead gerbil. It’s the same old dire sequence every single time. You know what’s worse? When people who more than likely have a mental health problem go on stage and are just mocked by those who watch it.

How would YOU feel if you stood on a stage and everyone just laughed at you? How would YOU feel if a relative of yours was being exploited like this?

A lot of the people that appear on this awful show look like they’ve just stepped out of Topshop, stand as if they have shit themselves and warble for two minutes. There is NO personality. There is NO depth to them. Come on people, wise up to this shit. You do not have to buy into it. Save yourselves, save music. Believe in GOOD music from the heart.

A band that I’ve adored for years, Doll And The Kicks have toured with Morrissey and put out an (self funded I must add) album. They’re not signed, but they are so fucking talented. They could easily be this country’s biggest and best band. As they are not signed, nobody pays them any attention. It’s heartbreaking and it is so wrong. Their music is different from anything else around. They have something so bloody good to offer- but does anyone care? No. Because if they did, they would be signed by now. However, I guess they’ve done something an X-Factor contestant will never do. Support the greatest male singer of all time, Morrissey.

I’ve frequently had emails from artists that are unsigned email me and ask if I would write about them here, I always do. Last night after hearing Clara Engel’s voice whilst reading JD Samson’s article, I knew that I was listening to something so precious. I was listening to someone who may never be as “famous” as the idiots on these reality shows, but its okay. It’s okay because I felt something in her music that just left me in awe. It made me believe again. When you can find an artist that makes you feel that way, you can shut off all the shit around you that you are apparently supposed to enjoy.

When these contestants put their music out, they are depriving real musicians of being recognised. I urge you to find an artist that is not signed or not well known and just promote the shit out of them. Start a blog about them, bombarded radio stations with their songs, make a Facebook page about them, write to magazines about them- help them out. We need them; we do not need manufactured drivel that has no worth.

Clara Engel.

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There is honestly nothing better than an artist finding my blog and emailing me, asking if I would write about them on here.

You know that feeling you get when you listen to someone and your eyes pop out of their sockets. Your jaw drops and you just say, “OH FUCK” as you listen to their music? That pretty much happened as I listened to her music. My reaction wasn’t just caused because of her amazing talent, but because she reminds me of someone whom I adore SO much Patti Smith. I honestly never ever thought I’d hear a voice that matches up to Patti Smith’s at all. But, looks like I have. Hello new musical crush.

I love anything that has massive sounding drums in it. Anything that sounds menacing and dark, such as Anna Calvi, Zola Jesus and Chelsea Wolfe. This is exactly why I’ve just fallen insanely in love with Clara Engel’s music. Her song, Lick My Fins (I love this title a lot) has perfect drums on it. It makes you feel like you are being stalked by her. You feel like she is stalking you through a dark alleway as she sings this haunting song at you. You can pick up the pace and try to escape- but let’s be honest, you’ve got no chance. Why would you want to turn yourself away from music as stunning as this?

Her song, Heaven And Hell is so beautiful. The lyrics are just so enthralling, she really causes your heart to skip a beat as you listen to it she does it with every song. Even more so with Heaven And Hell. It’s such a delicate and heartbreaking song to listen to. If you’re not moved by it, then I guess you don’t have a heart. The song makes it okay to be afraid, what you’re afraid of though, well, that’s your own personal fear.

She’s got a hint of Patti and PJ Harvey in her music, and as someone who is hugely obsessed with the two- I am honoured to be writing about Clara Engel. I’m not a fan of covers. I’ll only like them if they sound NOTHING like the original, it’s important if you’re going to cover a song, to make it your own. Clara does this with her take on Underworld’s Born Slippy. She turns a dance anthem into a creepy piece of art. Personally, I’ve never cared for the song at all but Clara’s take on it is simply perfect.

Her music will frighten you, and I firmly believe the best music scares the shit out of you. If it’s dark and eerie- I will adore it. Her music constructs such grand imagery in your mind. It’s just incredible, I honestly cannot praise her music highly enough. I don’t feel anything I’ve written here does her talent any justice. It makes me sad that someone with talent like this is unknown yet you get these fools selling millions and millions, and they have no talent and no clothes on.

Clara Engel is beautiful and so is her music, I cannot urge you enough to check out her music.

Her music will fuck with your head like a David Lynch film and it will charm your soul just like Patti Smith.

It’s nearly 2am. Most are either asleep or drunk. I’m going to stay awake and listen to her music.

The Big Pink.

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Most of the time, I look for a band that make me feel like The Jesus And Mary Chain did when I first heard Psychocandy. That album in my mind is the greatest debut album of all time. The Jesus And Mary Chain is in my Top 3 bands of all time. They make you embrace the loving but brutal side of you.

I’ve never thought a band could give me that same feeling. What I get from The Kills or Metric is completely different. Completely different, it’s on a whole other level. I cannot describe. I probably could, but I’d just ramble. Pretty much like I am now.

Anyway, this year the band that have given me the same feeling The Jesus And Mary Chain release their second album. The Big Pink blew me away when I first heard them in 2009. Their debut album, A Brief History Of Love gave me the same feeling Psychocandy did. It was like an outer body experience listening to it. How someone must have felt when The Jesus And Mary Chain came out is exactly how I felt when I first heard The Big Pink.

The Big Pink has that fucking incredible reverb, distorted and dark feeling to their music. It’s the best sound you can get from a piece of music. So dark, so twisted, so honest. Your heart aches with every single listen. You heart shatters a bit every listen because you cannot get your heard around these deep lyrics.

I hold such a personal connection to the song Velvet. It’s just as if they got inside my head and wrote about all the doubt that’s floating around. The doubt is always there, and is put at ease with every single listen.

When I heard Dominoes, I wasn’t completely aware of what I was getting myself into; all I knew was that this song was quite frankly one of the best things to have occurred in 2009. “Hearts collide and smash any dreams of love.” If I had the money, I’d probably have that tattooed on me. It’s just a brutal line. It’s brutal because it is so true. When your heart hits with another, nothing happens after that. Something bad takes over, and the other person leaves you. You’ll never know why, but it happens. Don’t blame yourself kid, they weren’t worth it. “The hottest love has the coldest end.” Again, another line that is so accurate. You don’t even have to go through a break-up to get this song. Just watch people in the street or see the person you like (but you never told them) fall into the arms of another- this song will rule your heart.

Love In Vain is so stunning. Robbie’s always amazes me, but on this song it sounds so vulnerable. “If you really love him, tell me that you love him again. And go.” You haven’t really lived until you’ve had someone you like and thought liked you, then turn and say they love someone else. I say lived, what I mean is feel so small that you cast yourself away to the universe and you just don’t care. There are various kinds of freedom, this is one of them.

The entire album has mention of love and the harsh side of it. The harsh side is the side most of us can actually relate to. The wanting of a person who just doesn’t want to know, the wanting of a person who is just no good- but you’re no better because you’re a mess. We’ve all been there; we’ve all felt that way. Except you thought you were alone. You’re not, just listen to this record and you won’t be.

The title track off the album could easily be mistaken for The Jesus And Mary Chain. I guess the band is probably sick of people mentioning that, but if I was them- I’d love it. Imagine being compared to one of the greatest bands ever? I’d be so happy with that; I’d probably retire because there’s no greater compliment. It’s just such a gloriously heartbreaking album. You don’t mind that it hurts so much to listen to it because it is so beautiful. I’d compare it to allowing a beautiful person hurting you, but no person has the right to ever harm another; regardless of their beauty. You see, when a beautiful person does something to hurt you; they immediately become ugly don’t they.

The Big Pink is highly underrated. Some may say that guitar music is dead or whatever, who knows. I don’t think it is- there are many forms of “guitar” music. You have your woeful twerp with an acoustic guitar with the personality of a dead flea to the amazing sounds of The Kills, The Horrors, Warpaint etc. It’s very much alive; it just depends on where you are looking.

The Big Pink will probably blow you away with their second album. Have you heard Stay Gold? It’s bloody good. Apparently they’re taking a more Hip Hop approach to the new record. I don’t care for what direction they go in, I just love their music. Songs like Frisk on their debut album has a sort of Hip Hop feel to it, the way in which Robbie sings the verses resembles that kind of feel to it.

The Big Pink’s music is a saviour to some- it’s amazing how after one album such impact a band can have on someone’s life. Just look at what Florence And The Machine’s debut album did to The Smiths first record. An artist’s first album can do so much to a person. A Brief History Of Love is the only album to give me the same feeling Psychocandy did. I am fully aware that no other band will probably make me feel this way again, I’m okay with this. Then you have the second album which can be amazing or utter shit. I have no doubt in my mind that The Big Pink’s second album will be just as stunning and soul stealing as A Brief History Of Love.

Lester Bangs.

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Everyone has the one person who made them realise what they want to do with their life. Everyone has that one person that gives them this energy and motivation to go for what they want. As someone who has a shite level of self confidence and worth, I sought refuge in frustrated writers and musicians from a young age. I still do, kindred spirits I suppose. If there ever came a time where I developed a lot of self belief/worth, I wouldn’t be motivated to write. I wouldn’t be motivated to listen to music and write about it. I wouldn’t do anything. I guess a level of arrogance would ensue and I wouldn’t bother anymore. I’d rather write from a personal angle than write like some jumped up Journalist who writes with no feeling or passion. Keep the self-doubt alive and write with feeling.

I learnt to write this way from a man who died 4 years before I was born. Before I left home to go to Uni, I was given a book by Lester Bangs. It was a book full of his reviews and rantings. I’ve read this book so many times, whenever I feel Writer’s Block is about to smack me in the face I read segments of his book and I feel I can write about anything. Now, whether I’m any good or not is a completely different story.

For me, Lester Bangs is the ULTIMATE Music Journalist. If he was around now, I doubt he’d (and rightfully so) be impressed with the current state of music. The way he wrote was from the heart and this came through with every single article he wrote. Whether he was slagging off Bryan Ferry or praising Iggy Pop; there was so much passion and rawness in his music. He wrote like a Punk rock artist. He didn’t show any mercy in what he wrote- that is what makes a fantastic writer. He wasn’t just a writer; he also fronted a few bands in his time too. His song, Let It Blurt is a fine composition. He had a way with words that no one else has ever mastered. He had a way of making you feel part of what he was writing. Say if you read a review on album he wrote about and you had never heard; after reading the review you felt as if you had heard the album. His descriptions were that deep and accurate. There is no doubt in my mind that Lester Bangs was and always will be the greatest writer of all time.

The way he was portrayed in the film, Almost Famous cemented my drive to be a Music Writer. He showed the real side of being a writer. The frustrations, the passion, lack of money, lack of anyone wanting to publish you- I go through this on a daily basis. I’d be lying if I said I never thought about giving up, I want to give up at least 3 times a week. I just read a part of his book or watch part of Almost Famous and carry on writing. The way his character talks to William in the film makes you believe that is exactly how Lester Bangs would have been if one was to have met him and spoke to him.

There are so many quotes in the film that mean a lot to me such as, “Be honest and unmerciful.” And “I’m always home, I’m uncool.” If you’re not going to be honest about anything then don’t bother. Simple as.  Everything requires honesty, lying is worthless.

His humour was dry but not cruel- he never wrote to shock anyone. He wrote for himself, he conformed to nothing and no one. Authority didn’t phase him. A lot of Music Writers slag off artists because they want the attention. They fail to realise that the attention and focus should be on what they are writing about. A review shouldn’t be full of negatives. For me personally, I don’t want to write a review on something I hate. I won’t review anything by Lady Gaga because I don’t like her at all- so why would you want to read something negative when you can search the internet for many positive reviews about her? I’m not a Musician, therefore I don’t have a write to say “Oh so and so cannot play, this is awful.” It’s the equivalent of me going to a school and saying to a teacher, “You can’t teach!” Writing about something I love and feel something positive about is what I do. Life is already full of negative and dull vibes; I don’t need to add to it. I don’t want to draw attention to my writing; I want the attention to be on WHO I am writing about. That’s how music journalism should be.

Lester Bangs didn’t write to shock, he wrote for his deep love for music. His love just poured out with EVERY SINGLE article he wrote. When you read his articles you cry with laughter, nod with agreement and applaud his wisdom. For me, he was more than a Music Journalist. He was like a mentor/teacher I never met. We all have that teacher in school that motivates us and makes us see what we are capable of- for me; mine was and always will be Lester Bangs.

His tragic death at only 33 was a huge loss to the music industry and just the world in general. If he was still alive, would he be writing? I have no idea, but he would still have that drive and love for music. I would’ve loved to have met him and just talk about music. From the genius of Captain Beefheart to the dullness of Bryan Ferry.

He was a true inspiration and without him and John Peel- I’d probably be some no mark who cared about nothing, no passion and barely existed.

So thank you Lester, thank you for giving this hopeless kid something to aim for.

Warpaint-Billie Holiday.

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Two years ago I heard a song by accident whilst researching something for my dissertation for Uni. This song just did something to me immediately. I wasn’t exactly at my best when I heard it, but it did something that improved life greatly. It also distracted me from doing any work. At this point, I really didn’t care.

Part of my dissertation was about Billie Holiday, I think you know where this is going.

My love (or obsession) for Warpaint started in 2009. I was listening to a load of Billie Holiday songs, and whilst I was searching for something about her, I saw the words Warpaint-Billie Holiday. I had NO idea what it was, and being the curious bugger I am, I clicked on the link. I wept. I’ve never heard an angel sing before but I’m pretty sure I heard it in this song. All I got from this song was utter love and devotion. If you want to call it a love song, so be it. Since then, I’ve always said if I was ever silly enough to get married (LEGALISE IT PLEASE) I would have this as THE song. Even better, I’d have Warpaint sing it. Actually, I’d just marry Warpaint. Problem solved really, right? I’d love them all equally and all I’d want was for them to sing to me all the time. I have far too much time on my hands and I also stupidly have far too much love to give.

I could quite happily listen to this song over and over. I’ll level with you, I do it anyway. I listen to it all the time. Whether I’m going for a walk or just laying in the dark due to lack of sleep- I play it. Recently the song was remastered. I refuse to talk about it because it hurts. The new version has stripped away EVERYTHING that this song is. The new version lacks the build up. I’m not happy about this. I know that change is good but LEAVE WARPAINT ALONE. I don’t care if you were a member of Pulp- BACK OFF. Now, with my rage out of the way; I will now pour out the love.

Lyrically, it is simple. However the way it is sung is so precious and delicate. If you could physically hold the song you would cuddle the fuck out of it. You’d cling onto it for dear life. “As I walk this line, I am bound by the other side. And it’s for my heart that I live, ‘cause you never die.” The way Emily sings this just makes my heart explode with every positive emotion known to the human race. The song is so pure and fragile; it oozes every single positive feeling imaginable. It is just sheer devotion to another- it is unconditional love. If you listen to this song, and you cannot appreciate how gorgeous the vocals are, then you’re silly. I could use a stronger word but I’m not in an arsey mood today. However, there’s 2 hours left in the day and someone will no doubt irk me won’t they.

The way B.I.L.L.I.E H.O.L.I.D.A.Y is sung over the verses is beautiful. The way they harmonise with each other is so stunning. It makes you wish you could sing something so beautiful. This is the only song by Warpaint that doesn’t create any imagery in my mind. Instead, it just hits me in the soul. That’s more powerful.

When they sing, “As a matter of a opinion I think he’s tops….etc.” then the drums kick in, and they sing B.I.L.L.I.E H.O.L.I.D.A.Y again, it’s so powerful. This song is so angelic and loving. Songs like Baby are so fragile and open. This one is just admiration and unconditional love.

I remember exactly how I felt when I first heard this song, and when I listen to it now; I feel exactly the same way. It’s like looking at the person you’re in love with or whatever for the first time, even though you’ve been with them ages- you get that feeling in your gut that takes you back to the first time you saw them. Even the cruellest of people know this feeling. It’s a killer, but its okay I suppose.

I adore the line, “Well if you want to know me, I’m a war- come paint.” I don’t know what it is about that line, it just stays with you.

Once you’ve listened to this song, it’ll stay with you. You’ll sing along even if it is in a murderous fashion. You cannot help but join in with the harmonising. Except you don’t sound like Warpaint, you probably sound like a cat being stood on. I’ve never stood on a cat, but you know what I mean.

It is a basic song compared to their others, but because it is so simple- it holds so much more. Warpaint do not need to go over the top with guitar solos or mental drumming to prove they are the best band around. Exquisite Corpse and The Fool are stunning works of art, what makes them phenomenal albums is you being able to tell that they really feel the music. When a singer or band can make you sense their passion for what they are creating; you feel it even more.

The song lasts 6 minutes and 45 seconds; again more proof that longer songs are easily the best. The song builds up so many times throughout, and it keeps you on edge- but in a gentle way. The way they sing this song is just like a lullaby. Honestly, if you’re having trouble sleeping listen to this song. Followed by Stars, Lissie’s Heart Murmur and Baby. Actually, just listen to all their music. Don’t go to sleep, you don’t need it; just keep listening to Warpaint. Nothing else really matters apart from their music.

It’s amazing how a song so simple can erupt such grand feelings. Good feelings. There aren’t many songs that make you feel one solid feeling when you listen to it. With Warpaint there’s one feeling I get with every single song- euphoria. Every single song of theirs has a build up within it and this tidal wave of euphoria just captures you. Billie Holiday is such an ethereal song. The vocals, tame drumming and the simple guitar sounds are so enthralling. It’s all well and good just playing this once but when you play it on a loop, over and over again; you notice different layers to it. This isn’t just obvious in this song; it is within all Warpaint songs. Maybe it’s because when you listen to Warpaint you put everything you have into listening to it. You discover different parts, and with discovering these different parts you just get taken to a different place. This place just consists of you and the music. There is honestly no better place than where a song takes you.

Escapism is a beautiful thing to experience from music. I get that every single time I listen to Warpaint.

Chelsea Wolfe.

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I love all kinds of music, I don’t really care for genre- so long as it has meaning. I favour anything that is dark and vulnerable. I can relate to it more than I wish to at times, but that’s how it is. There’s more in it.

Chelsea Wolfe is on the same level as Zola Jesus, well to me she is. She’s got a dark quality to her music that immediately grabbed me the same way Zola Jesus did. I wasn’t expecting it to happen, but it did. To be honest, I was quite reluctant to feel like about any artist other than Zola Jesus.

Hailing from the City Of Angels aka Los Angeles, Chelsea pretty much justifies that a LOT of excellent music is pouring out of LA right now. I mean, it alsways has; but recently the surge of amazing artists coming from there is amazing. Her album Apokalypsis is fucking creepy. It’s enthralling, eerie and ghastly. It’s perfect. Chelsea and Zola Jesus have both put out this year’s most eeriest and darkest albums; it’s beautiful.

Apokalypsis consists of haunting vocals and BIG drums.The sounds echo in your hear, leaving you shaking. Be afraid reader, be very afraid. The album feels like the end of the world, but you don’t care for the world ending. You just want to sit inyour own corner of this world and listen to this amazing record.

Last year’s release The Grime And The Glow is just as eerie. Think Bat For Lashes versus the worst nightmare you could possibly imagine having. It’s a beautiful record, and one that was highly underrated last year. Such a shame. Something takes over you as you listen to her music. What happens is, her music sinks deep into your soul and wraps itself around your heart. It becomes part of you. Her music stays with you through all that you do. It stalks your mind.

The piano on the track, Benjamin has a wintery feel to it. It sends shivers down your spine. Your body becomes cold. It’s a flawless song. Personally, I feel Fang is the stand-out track from last year’s release.

If her album was a season, it would be Winter. Cold and unapologetic. She is such a brilliant artist that for the life of me, cannot understand why she isn’t massive. She has a sound that you want to listen to as you take a walk on those early, dark, cold nights. Her voice will haunt you. Her music will send you floating. If you’re looking to be moved by something, then invest in Chelsea Wolfe’s music.

 

Dum Dum Girls-Only In Dreams.

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When a band names themselves after The Vaselines and Iggy Pop, you know they are going to be something very very special. Also, when they cover your favourite song of all time (The Smiths-There Is A Light That Never Goes Out) and do not fuck it up- you know you’ve found a band you are going to love for life.

Their debut album, I Will Be is a phenomenal debut album and now I am enjoying their second album as the rain beats hard against the windoe. Dum Dum Girls have a sound that fuses 60s girl groups and surfer pop/lo-fi. Two things which I adore. My love for 60s girl groups is possibly a borderline obsession, I’m not sorry. What I love about Dum Dum Girls is that make you think you are anywhere but where you are. They make you want to go surfing, lay on a beach (I don’t care that it is October, the beach is always perfect regardless.) and they make you want to lay on a hill in the middle of the night gazing at the stars. Probably alone because you are the only person who will appreciate it, another person would just ruin the scenario and all you feel. Humans have a wonderful way of getting in the way of other people’s joy sometimes don’t they.

Before I delve into the album in full, I must say that Coming Down HAS to be the highlight of the album. Anyone who is familiar with Dum Dum Girls knows that their songs last around 3 minutes. Coming Down is double that, and it is a truly gorgeous song. It just shows the sheer strength and power in Dee Dee’s vocals, it’s beautiful.

A lot of the songs feel like lullabys and just put you at ease. Songs such as Caught In One and Bedroom Eyes. The album has a grander sound and there is such growth in comparison to I Will Be. All band members play on this record, and with Dee Dee giving up the control on the record, it really does pay off. I know a few bands have the “DREADED SECOND ALBUM” nerves trembling through them, but with this record it honestly feels like a record you’d expect from a band well into their career. It sounds so different from I Will Be. This isn’t a bad thing, both albums are highly remarkable. Besides, if a band was to keep making the same album over and over, and not developing there would be no point.

I could easily write a thousand words and more on Coming Down, just because it is one of the most chilling, eerie and stunning songs I’ve heard all year. It has a sense of loss and giving up in it, that isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes we need to hear a song like that because we all feel that way. You’re lying to yourself if you claim to have never wanted to give up. You’re human, not a machine. When she hits that note in the middle, if it doesn’t cover you in goose bumps or make you emotional- you’re probably dead inside.

The album feels like an album full of healing and letting go. It’s a comfort blanket, it’s one of this year’s greatest releases. And for me personally, it’s one of the few albums I have been so excited to hear.

 

Homophobia In Music.

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Around a week or so ago, something happened in America that made me realise even more that homophobia is disgustingly and sadly more alive than ever. A young lad named Jamey Rodemeyer who was only 14 years old, a baby, took his own life due to being bullied for being gay. He was part of the It Gets Better campaign. A few days later duo, Uh Huh Her (Leisha Hailey and Camila Grey) were taken off a flight just for kissing each other.

Do we throw straight couples off flights for kissing? No, we don’t. No one fucking looks, no one bats an eyelid. However, when it is two people of the same gender showing their affection for each other it is treated as if it is the worst thing in the world. It’s wrong how people will be vile towards two people of the same gender kissing each other, yet no one says a word when a parents hits their child in public.

We live in a world where love and compassion is no longer a core feature in society. We live in a world where all kinds of hatred are glorified and encouraged. This cannot continue. We are harming each other and neglecting unity. It is vile and HAS to end. Thing is, will it ever end? Will we ever live in a world where we just live and let live?

Homophobia is growing. I always knew it was bad and I’d be lying if I said I’d never been on the receiving end of it- more recent than I wish to acknowledge sadly. But for some reason unknown to the good people of the world, it seems to be getting worse. People kill themselves every single day because they are being ridiculed and shunned just because of their sexuality. It isn’t right. How can you possibly judge someone based on their sexuality? Why would you want to hate someone because they’ve found someone to love? Love is love. It has no race, it has no gender, it has no religion; it is just LOVE. When you find someone who can stand you even when you’re being a massive wanker- you’re one of the lucky ones. Not many of us find it or will ever find it. So why on earth would you want to stop someone finding something so precious, so sacred.

Uh Huh Her are a band that I adore, not because they are lesbians but because they make excellent music. Their sound isn’t defined by their sexuality. Just like Holly Miranda isn’t. She’s a singer/song-writer; her sexuality plays no part in her music. That’s how it should be.

Michael Stipe never used his sexuality to sell records for R.E.M; they sold records because of their talent.

Do musicians need to announce their sexuality? Well, it depends how you want to look at it. I don’t care for any of the artists I’m a fan of personal life at all. However, when a band you love has a gay band member you feel you can identify with them more; it gives you a personal connection. It gives you something to identify with.

For instance, Gossip was a band that helped me accept who I was. Now, I don’t use my sexuality to define who I am. Never have, never will. But when I was at Uni, I was away from a place that was so homophobic and small minded. I could finally live my life the way I wanted. I could finally be happy. I’d been a fan of Gossip before Standing In The Way Of Control was released, but when I heard it; it gave me strength and courage. If the song was around a few years prior, I would’ve saved myself a lot of hassle and hurt.

I know I frequently say music should bring us together, but a lot of Reggae/Dancehall artists are STILL promoting homophobia. It’s got to stop. In the Hip Hop community, artists such as Common are working towards stamping out homophobia in Hip Hop. It’s going to take baby steps to get rid of such a big problem, but hopefully people will see sense and stop being small minded. You cannot catch homosexuality- but homophobia is spreading. Kids are becoming more and crueler. Adults are becoming less and less understanding.

Seek refuge in music and just be yourself. People will try to take and take from you, but don’t ever give in. Something has to be done, it’s just a shame it takes a tragedy for people to wake up to what is happening.

Music is such a powerful force and if anything, it should be bringing us together. We need it now more than ever. We cannot be divided anymore. This HAS to end.

I want to finish this with something my mum posted on Facebook a few days ago, of all the people I know; she is by far the most wisest and compassionate human beings I know. I like think, no- I KNOW I inherited all my good qualities from her. My bad ones are just habits I picked up along the way of growing up and learning. Reading what she wrote made me proud to be her daughter and to be who I am. I’m lucky to have such an accepting mum. I know of so many that aren’t as lucky as me, and it makes me so sad. Like my mum has always said- my personal life isn’t her business so long as I am happy and safe. That’s all that matters. Here’s what she wrote :

“To be gay isn’t a choice it is a heart and soul felt emotion. To be gay is no threat to heterosexuals, you aren’t their type. How many gay serial killers and rapists have you heard of; gay people are not the enemy. The world has enough hatred without throwing it at vulnerable, gentle souls that want nothing other than to be left to live quietly and with dignity. If your child is gay its not really your business, did you love them before- hopefully yes- if so then how do you not love them now? If you can’t understand same sex relationships, don’t bother live in your ignorance, but leave them alone. How on earth can you harm someone just because they are different to you, try deflating your anger.  You know you are seriously mentally unstable when you can harm an innocent person that you don’t know just because they are gay. LIVE AND LET LIVE, LOVE AND LET LOVE. Everyone is special, everyone is worthwhile.  As Moms we love our children equally and without thought of gender, sexual preference or belief. We have to realise that hatred is killing the planet, starving us of compassion. We need to gently show the people of the world that being “gay” is not a reason to be hurt by ignorant homophobic “people” who don’t want to understand that if we were all exactly the same it would be a mighty lousy world. Embrace your children, all of your children, and for those who cannot understand same sex love, well then don’t bother-but for God’s sake leave them alone to be happy and content. Gay is no threat to your world stop being afraid they don’t want to convert you.  You are vicious and hateful, you aren’t their type. God Bless Everyone, especially young gay kids. xx”

One last thing dear reader, never hide who you are from the world. Be yourself and don’t give up or give in to the hate. You’re better than them. Have heart and be gentle.